LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, we rate Flathead Beacon as Least Biased due to its balanced, fact-based reporting and clear distinction between news and opinion content. Its reporting is rated High for factual reliability, as it consistently provides well-sourced journalism with transparent ownership and funding details.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED (-0.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.0)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Flathead Beacon is a local news outlet based in Kalispell, Montana. Founded in 2007 by Maury Povich and Connie Chung, the publication is owned by Hagadone Digital Montana Publishing. It focuses on delivering in-depth coverage of local and regional issues in the Flathead Valley. Flathead Beacon reports on topics such as politics, business, outdoor recreation, arts, and community events while also offering multimedia content, including podcasts and videos, to engage its audience.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Flathead Beacon is privately owned by Maury Povich. The publication generates revenue through advertisements, sponsored content, and subscriptions. Ownership and funding details are transparently disclosed on its website.
Analysis / Bias
Flathead Beacon primarily focuses on local and regional news, delivering balanced and fact-based reporting. For example, the article “Montana Partisan Judicial Elections Bill Moves Forward” discusses the progress of a judicial elections bill in the Montana legislature. The piece provides perspectives from lawmakers on both sides, detailing arguments for and against the bill, ensuring a balanced presentation of the issue.
Another example of their work is “For Homeless Seniors, Getting Into Stable Housing Takes a Village — and a Lot of Luck” which examines the challenges homeless seniors face in finding stable housing. The article cites the Montana Free Press, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and a study published in the JAMA Network, adding factual support to its reporting.
Although its editorial section sometimes reflects conservative views aligned with Montana’s broader political culture, the publication maintains a clear distinction between news and opinion content. Articles consistently use neutral language and present multiple perspectives.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Flathead Beacon as Least Biased due to its balanced, fact-based reporting and clear distinction between news and opinion content. Its reporting is rated High for factual reliability, as it consistently provides well-sourced journalism with transparent ownership and funding details. (M. Huitsing 01/21/2025)
Source: https://flatheadbeacon.com/
Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources